Sweet & Spicy Mango Habanero Meatballs Recipe

Kirsten Nunez
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created on May 10, 2019

About the Author:

Kirsten Nunez

Kirsten Nunez is a lifestyle journalist and author focusing on food, health, and DIY projects. In May 2014, she published a craft book, "Studs & Pearls: 30 Creative Projects for Customized Fashion." Her work has appeared on websites such as Bustle, Brit + Co, DIY Lifestyle, and VegNews. She lives in Beacon, New York.

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Shake up your dinner routine with this sweet-and-spicy mango habanero meatballs recipe. From the fragrant fresh mango to the tangy habanero, this dish is like a party for your taste buds! The mango habanero sauce, which is ready in 25 minutes, can also be customized to your heart's desire. For example, we used store-bought habanero sauce for a quick and easy version. However, you can also use fresh habanero peppers, if that's your style. Ready to make it for yourself? Let's get started.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Mango Habanero Sauce

Things You'll Need

1 ripe mango

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon powdered garlic

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon habanero sauce

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup and 3 tablespoons water, separated

1 tablespoon cornstarch

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Tip

If you'd like to use real habanero peppers, replace the habanero sauce with at least one or two fresh habanero peppers. Cut off the stems and remove some or all of the white pith, depending on your heat preference. The pith of the pepper is the hottest part.

Step 1

Peel and cut the mango. One mango yields about 3/4 to 1 cup.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Step 2

Heat the olive oil over low-medium heat. Add the chopped mango and cook for 10 to 15 minutes.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Step 3

Use a potato masher or large spoon to smash the mango. The mango will soften as it cooks. Turn off the heat and let the mango slightly cool.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Step 4

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water. Mix together to create a slurry. Set aside.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Step 5

Add the cooked mango and remaining sauce ingredients to a food processor. Blend until smooth and combined. Return to the pan, mix in the slurry and warm over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Taste the finished sauce and adjust as necessary. For example, you can add more habanero sauce, lime juice, salt or Worcestershire, depending on your preference. In the future, you can make the sauce based on your personal adjustments.

Turkey Meatballs

Things You'll Need

1 pound ground turkey

1/4 small yellow onion, diced

2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic (or 1 tablespoon from the jar)

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Step 1

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix well.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Step 2

Form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until brown.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Tip

If you'd like to fry the meatballs, add 1/4 inch of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Toss the meatballs in warmed mango habanero sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro. You can also drizzle the sauce on the meatballs or use the sauce as a dip.

(Image: Kirsten Nunez)

Add toothpicks to serve this dish as an appetizer. Alternatively, you can serve it with rice for a flavorful main dish!